Short Lecture “Developing new approaches for the chemical characterization of Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum”

The variety pyrethrum of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. is an endemic native to Morocco, Algeria and Spain that is intensively harvested and commercialised across the Middle East and South Asia. The roots are widely used to treat a diverse range of diseases, including dental infections, gum, rheumatism, sickle cell disease and epilepsy [1], [2]. With its increasing commercial importance, a better understanding of the species value chains, and the chemical profile of products found in the trade is needed.

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 140 informants, including villagers, herbalists, and traditional healers. In parallel, identification phytochemical methods of field collections and market samples (42 samples) were developed using HPTLC and NMR.

The survey identified further uses such as treating stomach ailments and haemorrhoids. Roots were the only part used as maceration using honey (85%), olive oil (6%), water (5%) or toothpaste (4%). Analytical markers were identified, and several chromatographic conditions were optimized resulting in a good separation of alkylamides. For HPTLC, pellitorine, dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E, Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide, ursolic acid, eugenol, and cinnamic acid were identified as possible marker compounds. Preliminary HPTLC and NMR results showed a slight variation in the profiles obtained, especially for the market samples ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 HPTLC image of the developed method for A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum field (tracks: 1, 2 and 3) and market (tracks: 5 and 6) samples using Pelitorine (track 4) as a marker compound. Stationary phase: Silica gel 60 F254. Mobile phase: Toluene, ethyl acetate and formic acid (9.5;2;0.5).

In addition to conventional methods, HPTLC and NMR methods help in a robust quality assessment of A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum. The increasing demand for products derived from this species will require a more systematic use of quality control measures as well as an assessment of the tradeʼs sustainability.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022

• References

• 1 Ouarghidi A, Powell B, Martin GJ, Abbad A. Traditional sustainable harvesting knowledge and distribution of a vulnerable wild medicinal root (A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum) in Ait Mʼhamed Valley, Morocco. Economic Botany 2017; 71: 83-95
• 2 Selles CM, Diba N, Djaboua F. et al. Antimicrobial activity and evolution of the composition of essential oil from Algerian Anacyclus pyrethrum L. through the vegetative cycle. Nat Prod Res 2013; 27: 2231-2234